Welcome to the delightful world of banana pudding cake! This recipe is a heartfelt blend of moist cake and creamy banana pudding, creating a dessert that’s not just tasty but also incredibly comforting. I still remember the first time I baked this cake for my family; the smell of ripe bananas wafting through the kitchen brought everyone rushing in, eager for a slice. Trust me, there’s something magical about the combination of fluffy cake and rich pudding that just warms your heart. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a delightful treat after a long day. So grab those ripe bananas and let’s dive into making the best banana pudding cake recipe you’ll ever try!
Ingredients List
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup whipped cream for topping
How to Prepare the Banana Pudding Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures our cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully. While the oven heats up, I like to gather all my ingredients—it makes things so much smoother. And remember, be careful around that hot oven! Safety first!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, grab your softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a good old-fashioned wooden spoon, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Trust me, this step is essential for getting that lovely texture in your cake. You want to incorporate air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise and stay soft.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to add in the fun stuff! Beat in the eggs, followed by those mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix everything together well until it’s smooth and creamy. The bananas will add a lovely sweetness and moisture to your cake, so make sure they’re well combined. You want each bite to be bursting with that delicious banana flavor!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is important because it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. You don’t want any surprises when it comes time to bake! Mixing dry ingredients separately helps the cake rise properly, so don’t skip this part!
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Now, we’re going to bring it all together. Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with a bit of the dry mix, then add some buttermilk, and repeat until everything is well incorporated. Be gentle—over-mixing can make the cake dense. Just stir until you see no more flour; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
Step 6: Fold in Vanilla Pudding Mix
Next, we’ll fold in the vanilla pudding mix. This is where the magic happens! Gently incorporate the pudding mix into your batter, using a spatula to maintain that airy texture. Folding is a soft motion that keeps the batter light and fluffy—so be gentle and loving with it!
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour your lovely batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready! The smell wafting from the oven is absolutely heavenly—just wait!
Step 8: Cool and Top
Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is important—if you try to top it while it’s warm, the whipped cream might melt away! Once cooled, generously top with whipped cream before serving. This final touch makes everything so delightful and creamy. And there you have it—a beautiful banana pudding cake that’s sure to impress!
Tips for Success
To ensure your banana pudding cake turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your bananas are really ripe—they should have plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and voilà!
For those who might need a gluten-free option, just swap in gluten-free all-purpose flour, and you’ll still get a lovely cake. If you want to elevate the flavor even more, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. They add a delightful texture and richness!
And don’t forget about safety! Always use oven mitts when handling hot pans, and let the cake cool completely before topping it with whipped cream to keep that beautiful presentation. With these tips, you’ll create a delicious and comforting banana pudding cake that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a slice of this banana pudding cake, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for a serving size of one piece (based on a 12-serving yield):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to check your labels if you have dietary concerns. Enjoy your baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh bananas instead of ripe ones?
It’s best to use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture. Fresh bananas won’t give you that delightful banana flavor that makes this cake so special.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t worry! You can mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about five minutes, and you’re all set!
How do I store leftover banana pudding cake?
To keep your cake fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3-4 days.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool completely, and then store it in the fridge. Just add the whipped cream topping right before serving for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the banana pudding cake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and top with whipped cream before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It combines the comforting flavors of banana pudding and cake—what’s not to love?
- Simple and straightforward steps make it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Ideal for gatherings, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family.
- The moist texture and rich flavor create a delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug.
- It can be made in advance, making it a stress-free option for busy days.
- Customizable with various toppings or mix-ins, so you can make it your own!
Variations
One of the best parts about this banana pudding cake recipe is how easy it is to mix things up! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful chocolate-banana twist. Or, if you love nuts, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. Want to spice it up? A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, cozy note that pairs beautifully with bananas.
You can also experiment with the toppings! Instead of whipped cream, try a layer of cream cheese frosting for a richer finish. Or, how about drizzling some caramel or chocolate sauce on top for an indulgent treat? The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine and make this banana pudding cake uniquely yours!
Print
Delicious Banana Pudding Cake Recipe: 1 Comforting Slice
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful banana pudding cake that blends the flavors of banana pudding with a moist cake. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting dessert at home.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the vanilla pudding mix.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour.
- Adjust sugar based on your taste or dietary needs.
- For a richer flavor, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana pudding cake, dessert, easy cake recipe, comfort food
